When faced with a cancer diagnosis, the world can feel as though it’s spinning out of control. Like Vickie Girard, many individuals find themselves grappling with vulnerability and uncertainty upon hearing the word “cancer.” Girard, a cancer survivor and advocate, intimately understands this experience. She emphasizes the initial feeling of helplessness that often accompanies such news, noting, “Illness intensifies the small child in all of us.” This vulnerability drives patients to seek guidance from experts, yet, Girard stresses the importance of reclaiming personal control even Amid Cancer Diagnosis and treatment.
Girard, widely recognized from commercials for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, faced her own formidable battle in 1992. Diagnosed with stage IV terminal breast cancer that had metastasized to her bones, she was given a grim prognosis. Doctors advised her to prepare for the end. However, Girard refused to passively accept this fate. Instead, she became an active participant in her healthcare journey. Seeking multiple opinions from specialists became a cornerstone of her approach, empowering her to explore all available avenues. Beyond conventional medicine, Girard embraced spirituality and focused on nutrition to fortify her immune system and enhance her overall quality of life as she navigated her cancer treatment.
Defying initial expectations, Girard lived nine years beyond her original prognosis. Her personal triumph over cancer transformed her into a passionate advocate for patient empowerment. She travels the country, lecturing on behalf of the American Cancer Society, sharing her insights and inspiring others to take charge of their health.
Girard has distilled her extensive experience working with cancer patients and survivors into her book, There’s No Place Like Hope: A Guide to Beating Cancer in Mind-Sized Bites. This book serves as a practical guide for those navigating the daily challenges of living with cancer, along with their loved ones. It offers valuable tips on managing treatment side effects such as hair loss, navigating insurance complexities, and underscores the vital role of nutritional and spiritual support in conjunction with traditional medical treatments. More than just practical advice, the book delivers a powerful message of empowerment and enduring hope for those amid cancer diagnosis.
“There’s so much that people can do to empower themselves, to give themselves hope, to beat this ugly thing,” Girard asserts. She passionately encourages patients to build a strong support network of individuals who can offer encouragement and strength throughout their fight.
The release of her book coincided with another personal health challenge for Girard. Earlier in the year, she received a new diagnosis – cancer cells on her heart. True to her resilient spirit, Girard approached this new battle with a blend of realism and optimism. She focuses on controlling what she can, making a conscious choice to live each day to the fullest, even amid cancer diagnosis for a second time.
During a meeting with WebMD in Seattle, Girard continued to share her empowering message. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even amid cancer diagnosis, hope, strength, and a proactive approach can significantly impact the journey.
